Residents seek input on plans

The City of Vancouver has endorsed a plan to radically redevelop the aging Oakridge Centre into a high-density retail and residential hub.

Photograph by: Ward Perrin
, Vancouver Sun

VANCOUVER -- The City of Vancouver has endorsed a plan to radically redevelop the aging Oakridge Centre into a high-density retail and residential hub.

Details of the massive project have yet to be finalized, but area residents say they are worried it spells the end of their quiet corner of Vancouver.

“I am sure you can imagine the shock when you learn that ‘downtown’ is going to (arrive in our) single-family neighbourhood,” said Tracey Moir, a representative of the neighbourhood group Oakridge Langara Area Residents, in an interview on Tuesday at Vancouver City Hall.

Earlier, Mayor Gregor Robertson and council agreed to endorse a proposal by property owner Ivanhoe Cambridge and developer Westbank Development to transform Oakridge into a new urban centre on par with Metrotown, Surrey City Centre and Coquitlam Centre.

The plan builds on a more modest redevelopment proposal approved by the city in 2007, with the addition of up to 13 highrise towers and double the existing retail space.

A 45-storey tower, the tallest of those proposed, is slated to be built at the corner of Cambie Street and 41st Avenue. Others on the property are expected to range in height from 30 to 42 storeys.

The plan, which still requires rezoning approval, a process that triggers a public hearing, received widespread support from both Vision and Non-Partisan Association councillors who view it as a means to add to Vancouver’s affordable housing stock. It would also allow for the creation of a new 11-acre rooftop green space, new community centre and seniors’ centre.

The proposal’s proximity to the Canada Line also fits with Metro’s regional growth strategy, which encourages density along major transit lines, councillors noted.

It has been decades since the property received its last major facelift, said Coun. Geoff Meggs. This next phase “will be the last time it develops for the next century,” he added.

Green party Coun. Adriane Carr was the only one to vote against the proposed tower heights and increased density.

Carr said comparisons to mega developments underway at transit hubs in Surrey and Burnaby were unfair, and not representative of what Vancouver residents want to see happen.

“Going high and dense, with huge towers, I don’t think that is green and I don’t think that is livable, especially when you put it bang up against (existing) homes and apartments where people will lose light and air and views,” she said.

Council agreed the plan needs more work before rezoning can be considered. Possible changes could include a reconsideration of where towers will be built on the property, and the heights allowed. As it stands now, the proposal calls for the tallest tower to be built just 90 feet from an existing six-storey condo complex.

Parking was also highlighted as a potential problem. The current plan calls for more space to be given for retail use than residential.

Senior planner Brian Jackson said staff will also work with the developer to add more social housing units to the residential mix. The city wants to see as much as 20 per cent of the expected 2,800 new units dedicated to market rental and social housing.

Moir said residents expect more opportunities to be consulted on future plans for the site, noting widespread dissatisfaction with engagement efforts made by the city to date.

City council agreed Tuesday to seek community feedback beyond what is normally required in a development proposal.

Members of the Oakridge development team, including Westbank, Ivanhoe Cambridge and Henriquez Partners Architects, also expressed willingness to enhance the consultation process.

“We believe the Oakridge plan represents the future of urban development: Bringing together the right mix of uses and diversity of housing choices for the benefit of the community,” said an email attributed to the development team.

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